6 Days Fujian-Guangdong Cultural Heritage and Family Tree Tour (Xiamen, Fujian Tulou, Chaozhou and Shantou)

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to the ferry terminal. Take a short ferry ride across the Lujiang River to Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿), also known as Kulangsu, one of Xiamen’s most celebrated attractions and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Covering approximately 1.88 square kilometers, this pedestrian-friendly island is often called an “International Architecture Museum.” Its quiet lanes are lined with historic churches, consulates, villas, schools, banks and residences built in a wide variety of European and Asian styles. The island’s architecture reflects Xiamen’s long history as an international trading port and cultural meeting point.

Begin at the Eight Diagrams Building (八卦楼), home to the Organ Museum (风琴博物馆). The museum displays an extensive collection of antique organs from different countries and historical periods. Its distinctive domed building is itself one of Gulangyu’s most recognizable landmarks.

Continue to Shuzhuang Garden (菽庄花园), a classical seaside garden that skillfully combines traditional Chinese landscaping with open views of the coast. Walk through winding corridors, pavilions, rockeries, ponds and shaded courtyards before visiting the Piano Museum (钢琴博物馆), where valuable historic pianos illustrate Gulangyu’s deep connection with Western music.

Later, walk through the island’s old residential quarter to Haoyue Park (皓月园). Here, a monumental stone statue of the Ming dynasty general Zheng Chenggong (郑成功) overlooks the water toward downtown Xiamen. Your guide will introduce his historical role and his connection with China’s southeastern coast.

The remaining time can be spent wandering through peaceful alleys, relaxing at a café or sampling local snacks. Energetic travelers may climb Sunlight Rock (日光岩) for panoramic views over Gulangyu’s red-roofed villas, lush gardens and the Xiamen skyline. The climb includes steep steps and may be crowded during peak travel periods.

In the late afternoon, take the ferry back to downtown Xiamen and return to your hotel.

After breakfast, leave Xiamen by private vehicle and travel for approximately two hours to Nanjing County (南靖县) in Fujian Province. Today’s journey introduces the extraordinary Fujian Tulou (福建土楼), the communal earthen residences traditionally built by Hakka families.

These massive round, square and rectangular buildings were designed to accommodate large extended families while providing protection, shared living space and a strong sense of clan identity. The selected tulou sites form part of the UNESCO-listed Fujian Tulou cultural landscape.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster

Begin at a mountain viewpoint overlooking the famous Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群). Commonly described as “Four Dishes and a Soup,” the cluster consists of three round buildings, one oval building and one square building arranged closely together among terraced fields and forested hills.

From the viewing platform, you can appreciate how the earthen residences were carefully positioned within the surrounding landscape. Your guide will explain the construction methods, defensive functions and communal lifestyle associated with these remarkable buildings.

Yuchang Building

Continue to Yuchang Building (裕昌楼), constructed during the Yuan dynasty and regarded as one of the oldest surviving round tulou in the region. It is sometimes called the “Zigzag Building” because several of its internal wooden pillars lean at noticeable angles.

Despite the unusual structure, the building has remained stable for centuries. Step into its large central courtyard to observe the timber framework, family rooms, ancestral spaces and traditional wells that supported generations of residents.

Taxia Village

The final stop is Taxia Village (塔下村), a peaceful Hakka settlement built along an S-shaped stream. Traditional earthen buildings, stone bridges and ancestral halls line both sides of the water, creating one of the most picturesque village scenes in the Nanjing Tulou area.

Visit Deyuan Hall (德远堂), the ancestral hall of the Zhang clan, where stone flagpoles commemorate family members who achieved important scholarly or official positions. The hall’s decorative carvings and semicircular pond reflect the village’s respect for ancestry, education and family honor.

After completing the tulou visit, drive for approximately two and a half hours to Chaozhou (潮州) in eastern Guangdong Province. Upon arrival, check in at your downtown hotel and rest in preparation for the following day’s exploration of Chaozhou Ancient City.

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a full-day exploration of Chaozhou (潮州), one of southern China’s best-preserved historic cities and an important center of Chaoshan culture.

Han Yu Memorial Hall

Start at the Han Yu Memorial Hall (韩文公祠), originally established in 999 and dedicated to Han Yu (韩愈), the renowned Tang dynasty writer, scholar and former governor of Chaozhou.

Walk through the peaceful gardens and traditional halls while learning how Han Yu contributed to local education, culture and social development. From the elevated terrace, enjoy broad views over the Han River, Chaozhou Ancient City and the surrounding landscape.

Guangji Bridge and Guangji Gate Tower

Continue to the historic Guangji Bridge (广济桥), also known as Xiangzi Bridge (湘子桥). Stretching across the Han River, this distinctive structure combines stone piers, covered pavilions and movable floating sections, allowing the bridge to be opened for passing boats.

As you walk along the bridge, admire its traditional pavilions, stone carvings and river views while hearing stories about its role in regional transportation and commerce.

Nearby stands the imposing Guangji Gate Tower (广济门城楼), one of the most recognizable landmarks of Chaozhou Ancient City. The tower once served as an important eastern entrance to the walled city. From the upper level, you can photograph the Han River, Guangji Bridge and the tiled rooftops of the old town.

Kaiyuan Temple

Proceed to Kaiyuan Temple (开元寺), founded during the Tang dynasty in 738. As one of the most important Buddhist temples in eastern Guangdong, it preserves architectural and religious relics from several historical periods.

Explore the courtyards and ceremonial halls to see ancient stone carvings, historic bells, incense burners, porcelain roof decorations and traditional timber structures. The temple remains an active religious site and offers a quiet contrast to the busy streets outside.

Archway Street and Jiadi Lane

In the afternoon, walk along Archway Street (牌坊街), the symbolic heart of Chaozhou Ancient City. Traditional stone memorial arches stand among rows of historic arcade buildings, honoring local scholars, officials and individuals remembered for their achievements and virtues.

The surrounding streets are filled with local shops, tea houses and food stalls, making this an excellent place to observe everyday life and sample Chaoshan specialties.

Continue into Jiadi Lane (甲第巷), a quiet historic residential street once inhabited by prominent officials and wealthy families. Admire the elegant courtyards, carved doors, decorative murals and residences that combine traditional Chaozhou craftsmanship with subtle Western influences.

West Lake Park

Conclude the day at Chaozhou West Lake Park (潮州西湖公园), a peaceful public garden where local residents exercise, drink tea and gather with friends. Walk beside the lake, pavilions, rockeries and old inscriptions, or simply relax beneath the mature trees and enjoy the slower rhythm of local life.

In the evening, you may choose to visit a traditional tea house to experience Chaozhou Gongfu Tea (潮州工夫茶) accompanied by a performance of Chaozhou Opera (潮剧).

After the visit, return to your hotel in Chaozhou.

After breakfast, leave Chaozhou and travel toward Shantou (汕头). Today’s journey focuses on the architecture, trade history and family stories of the Chaoshan people who migrated overseas and later contributed to the development of their hometowns.

Chen Cihong Former Residence

After approximately 50 minutes, arrive at Qianmei Village (前美村) to visit the magnificent Chen Cihong Former Residence (陈慈黉故居).

Built over several decades by the family of successful overseas Chinese businessman Chen Cihong (陈慈黉), the residence is one of the largest and most elaborate private residential complexes in southern China. It contains extensive courtyards, passageways and hundreds of rooms spread across a vast compound.

The architecture combines traditional Chaoshan residential design with Western villa elements. As you explore the complex, look for carved wood and stone decorations, porcelain ornamentation, plaster reliefs, stained glass and imported decorative features. Your guide will introduce the history of the Chen family and explain how overseas trade and migration influenced local architecture and society.

Wenyuan Xiaozhu Study

Continue to Wenyuan Xiaozhu (文园小筑), a refined garden residence built by the Chen family’s former household manager.

The building features a quiet courtyard, traditional gateways, antique furniture, painted decorations and landscaped ponds. Its design blends classical Chinese aesthetics with influences brought back from Southeast Asia, offering a more intimate example of the region’s overseas Chinese residential culture.

Xiaogongyuan Old Town

Drive onward to Xiaogongyuan Old Town (小公园开埠区) in central Shantou. The historic district developed after Shantou became an important commercial port and is known for its circular street layout centered on the landmark Sun Yat-sen Memorial Pavilion (中山纪念亭).

Walk through the old commercial streets lined with arcaded buildings that combine Chinese, Western and Southeast Asian styles. Along the way, see landmarks associated with Shantou’s early modern trading history, including former hotels, department stores, post offices and merchant buildings.

Mazu Palace

Visit the historic Mazu Palace (妈屿天后宫 or 妈祖庙), dedicated to Mazu (妈祖), the sea goddess traditionally worshipped by fishermen, sailors and coastal merchants.

Observe the detailed wood carvings, stone carvings and decorative roof ornaments while learning about the importance of maritime beliefs in the daily lives of Chaoshan communities.

Shantou Qiaopi Museum

Later, visit the Shantou Qiaopi Museum (汕头侨批文物馆). The term “qiaopi” refers to letters and remittances sent by overseas Chinese migrants to their families in China.

The museum preserves historic correspondence, envelopes, remittance records and other documents that tell deeply personal stories of migration, hardship, family responsibility and emotional connection. These records provide valuable insight into the long relationship between Chaoshan communities and Southeast Asia.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel in downtown Shantou and complete the check-in process.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the final morning of your Fujian and Chaoshan cultural journey.

People’s Square

Start with a leisurely walk through Shantou People’s Square (汕头人民广场), a popular gathering place beside the waterfront.

Observe local residents practicing morning exercises, dancing or socializing, and enjoy views of the fountains, modern city buildings and nearby river. This relaxing visit offers a glimpse into the everyday rhythm of life in contemporary Shantou.

Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center

Continue to the Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Center (潮汕历史文化博览中心), a major cultural institution presenting the history, traditions and artistic heritage of the wider Chaozhou-Shantou region.

At the Chaoshan Overseas Chinese Museum (潮汕华侨博物馆), learn how generations of local people traveled to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world in search of work and business opportunities. Exhibitions explain how overseas Chinese communities maintained family connections and later supported schools, roads, charities and public projects in their hometowns.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition

Visit the center’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, where a wide range of traditional Chaoshan arts and customs are displayed.

Exhibitions may include Chaozhou wood carving, stone carving, embroidery, inlaid porcelain, traditional costumes, architectural decoration, Chaozhou opera and the energetic Yingge Dance (英歌舞). Together, these cultural forms demonstrate the region’s exceptional craftsmanship and strong community traditions.

After the visit, your guide and driver will transfer you to Shantou Railway Station (汕头站), Chaoshan Railway Station (潮汕站) or the appropriate airport for your onward journey. The 6-day Xiamen, Fujian Tulou, Chaozhou and Shantou cultural heritage tour concludes upon departure.